In this post, we want to emphasize the significance of upgrading your PHP if you are currently using an outdated, unsupported version. This upgrade is essential for enhancing the security and speed of your website. So don’t navigate away just yet, because we have some crucial updates concerning Yoast SEO, Yoast SEO Premium, and our add-ons and standalone plugins like Yoast Duplicate Post. Starting November 1st, 2024, we will no longer provide support for PHP versions 7.2 and 7.3. This change is pivotal as we continuously aim to enhance the security and efficiency of our plugins. Keep reading to discover why.
PHP? Hosting? What does it all mean?
WordPress, much like Yoast SEO, is primarily built using a programming language called PHP. This language, similar to WordPress itself, has evolved over time. Web developers worldwide appreciate the features introduced by newer PHP versions. More importantly, everyone benefits from the heightened security provided by these new versions. However, WordPress developers are somewhat left behind in this regard.
Currently, the minimum PHP required for WordPress is PHP version 7.0, but they recommend using PHP version 7.4 or higher. Unlike WordPress, PHP has a proactive update path. PHP 8.1 will continue receiving security support for some time, but any versions older than that will be left vulnerable. As mentioned on their website, outdated releases should be upgraded promptly to avoid potential security risks.
Why do we care about this?
At Yoast, we value many things, but two aspects stand out in this context: user happiness and developer satisfaction. Users are delighted when they have a swift, secure content management system like WordPress to create their websites. Developers are content when they can utilize modern languages and tools to build software.
Security
The primary reason why we aim to elevate the minimum requirement is security. Older PHP versions, despite being used on numerous sites, no longer receive security updates. This is not just a theoretical concern, as outdated software is often the leading cause of website breaches. Just like WordPress encourages regular updates for security patches, the PHP version should not be neglected.
Speed
Speed is another critical issue. While WordPress is sometimes criticized for being slow, it doesn’t have to be. However, if it runs on outdated PHP versions, it will undoubtedly be sluggish. This can lead to a loss of site visitors and negatively impact SEO. Therefore, it is imperative to address this promptly.
Modern programming language
PHP 7.3, released in 2018, is no longer considered modern. This lack of modernity frustrates developers as they miss out on many excellent features available in more recent programming languages. This could eventually deter developers from working with WordPress due to its slow progress. Ensuring that developers have access to updated tools and languages is crucial to maintaining WordPress’s appeal.
Enhancing performance and security
By supporting only PHP 7.4 and higher, Yoast SEO can implement modern coding practices that significantly enhance your website’s performance. This results in faster, more efficient code that not only improves SEO but also enhances user experience and reduces server load, thereby saving energy.
This update also paves the way for future developments, ensuring that we are prepared for upcoming PHP versions. Staying ahead of technological advancements enables us to offer the latest features without compromising on stability.
What is Yoast going to do?
As mentioned earlier, the minimum PHP required for WordPress is PHP version 7.0, with a recommendation of 7.4 or higher. Yoast will discontinue support for PHP versions 7.2 and 7.3 starting November 2024. Our dedication to providing top-notch service entails utilizing the most advanced and secure technology available. Phasing out older PHP versions allows us to leverage newer features that enhance plugin performance and site security.
According to WordPress’s statistics, around 8% of WordPress installations still use PHP 7.2 and 7.3. However, our data indicates a lower percentage among our user base. While this transition may impact a minimal number of users, it is crucial for upholding high standards of quality and security.
Updating your PHP version
If you are unsure about how to upgrade your PHP version, fret not – we’ve got you covered. Visit our comprehensive guide on updating your PHP, complete with resources for various hosting services. Even if your host is not listed, we provide a template email to send to your hosting provider to request the update.
We extend a huge thank you to all who have already upgraded their PHP versions in anticipation of this change. We are excited to journey with you towards a more secure, efficient, and robust web environment. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to enhance Yoast SEO to better serve you.
Enrico is the lead developer of the Plugin team at Yoast and the creator of the Yoast Duplicate Post plugin. He collaborates with other release leads to plan new features and bugfixes for all the Yoast plugins for WordPress.
